08/09/2018
Has God asked you to do something hard? Did you answer “Yes Father”, and now you find yourself at that place where He has called? You are close now, and are facing the reality, and terror of it. This is the moment of fear, and this is the time when we must pray as though we were in Gethsemane. When God reveals the fullness of what He has asked of us, and suddenly we find that the nobleness of saying “Yeah” has worn off, we must ultimately face our fear and doubt. It is in this moment that we realize we cannot face this alone, but that even so, it must be done.
“And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."”
Mark 14:35-36 ESV
My father was like most young men at the beginning of World War II; he read of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his honor, and love of country led him to enlist in the army. He wanted to fight for his country, but he had no real idea what that meant. It all seemed so grand... this marching off to war in defense of freedom.
Months of training was followed by a voyage to Europe aboard a troop ship as it was being hunted by German U-Boats, and the fear of war’s reality began to make itself known. Then came England and the devastation and death became even more evident, and finally it was off to the front lines. The reality of war came home to roost on him, and the horror of it all turned an innocent young man from West Virginia into a soldier who had to face fear as he fought to end a war and go home. He was facing fear, and praying as he had never done before.
Then it happened, on a soggy morning on the outskirts of a town in France, an artillery shell screamed overhead and buried itself in the muddy ground right beside him where it exploded, throwing mud, rock, and shrapnel over him, and through him. When the cloud of debris settled he picked himself up and despite his blood and wounds he continued leading his men on until the battle was over. He was then shipped back to England, where gaping wounds were treated, and once healed he was sent back into combat... it was at this moment the fear reached its most ear splitting volume.
Years later I asked this man, who was decorated for bravery on several occasions, about that moment. I asked him how it felt to go back into combat knowing firsthand the pain of it, having faced the full knowledge of death that could await, and having the constant reminder of this reality evident in his scars. How did he face the fear at that moment? He couldn’t find the words for it so he told me a story. He said that when he reentered combat their first mission was to take another town in France, and they had to advance on it across an open field which would expose them to enemy fire. They were laying in lines along the edge of the field, waiting, when the order came to advance, and at hearing that order shouted every man jumped up and started running across the field. He looked at me and said “a buddy ran up on me laying there in the field and kicked the bottom of my boots shouting “Let’s go Charley!” If he hadn’t done that I guess I would still be laying there.” We sat quiet for a while.
Jesus had enlisted himself for God’s plan, and just a few days prior He had told His Father that He was ready, but when He did so, did He really have a clear picture of what was to come? Listen to His words...
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,”
John 17:1 ESV
These words are a far cry from what He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, but with bloody sweat still damp on the ground, He left that place as a prisoner, and moved forward with God’s plan and will for Him.
Not everyone will be called to risk, or give, their lives in answering God’s call, but we will all have to face our fear in some way. The calling that God’s will asks of us will challenge our abilities, our confidence, and possibly our courage. Yet, He never leaves us to face it alone; there is always someone to run up and kick our boots, angels to strengthen us, or disciples to pray... and possibly cut off an ear for us.
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Luke 22:43-44 ESV
So what are you and I facing today? Have we said yes to something, but as we are now approaching it the reality is setting in? Are we physically afraid, spiritually quaking, or doubting in our own ability? If so... let’s go to God in prayer, and He will strengthen us for what lies ahead; He will send help.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling us to do your will, and thank you for stretching us in the process, because only in this way alone are we assured of leaning on your provision. No matter the magnitude of your calling, because we all have different levels of talent and skill, you will bring us to that place, our Gethsemane, where the sweat will take on the form of blood as we ask that your cup be taken from us. Give us the strength and resolve at that moment of crisis, and no return, to say “your will, not mine, be done”, and lead us on. Give us courage, wisdom, perseverance... whatever is necessary, and that we are lacking. In the end Holy Father, when what you have asked is behind us, and the victory of it has been won, hear our praise, and thanksgiving for your strong hand at the height of our greatest need. Receive the glory of the efforts you have allowed us to accomplish because without you we would not have overcome the least of our fears and weaknesses. You are Great and Merciful Father, and your goodness and love upholds us in our dire circumstances. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, who teaches us to overcome by yielding to your will, and your provision when ours has been depleted. In you nothing is impossible!
“For nothing will be impossible with God."”
Luke 1:37 ESV
Rich Forbes